As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Processing Plant Technician in the United States is $40,023 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Processing Plant Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Processing Plant Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Processing Plant Technician's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Processing Plant Technician | $38,656 |
| Intermediate Level Processing Plant Technician | $38,953 |
| Senior Level Processing Plant Technician | $41,359 |
| Specialist Level Processing Plant Technician | $44,216 |
| Expert Level Processing Plant Technician | $44,406 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Processing Plant Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 35.64% |
| Prior Authorization | 2.45% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.25% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Acute Care
|
$47,227 |
18%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$44,426 |
11%
|
|
Commitment
|
$44,025 |
10%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$42,825 |
7%
|
|
Patient Safety
|
$42,825 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$42,825 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Processing Plant Technicians enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Processing Plant Technician with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $43,764 and $45,963).
Processing Plant Technician Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 63.1% |
| High School | 63.1% |
| Associates | 21.3% |
| Bachelors | 13.1% |
| Masters | 2.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Processing Plant Technician's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for a Processing Plant Technician can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $42,513 in 2023 to around $42,940 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Processing Plant Technician salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $42,513 |
| 2024 | $44,019 |
| 2025 | $42,940 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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